Ben Askren, the aspiring MMA fighter and former NCAA champion and Olympic wrestler, has signed with the Bellator Fighting Championships.

Askren will fight in Bellator's welterweight tournament, which begins in the spring as part of Bellator's new deal with Fox Sports Net. In a statement, Askren said he's excited about the Fox Sports deal.

"I like that my fights are going to broadcast nationally, I like the tournament-style format and I love the opportunity to be a part of something exciting and new," Askren said. "I plan on winning Bellator. My goal, as it always has been, is to be the best in the world."